Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Program
Location:
Las Vegas, NVSpecialty:
Sports medicine (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1273113096The Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV offers a premier Sports Medicine Fellowship that focuses on advanced primary care training for highly qualified physicians. This program is recognized as one of the top training opportunities available in the western United States and provides exceptional educational experiences within a diverse clinical setting. The fellowship emphasizes training specific to musculoskeletal injuries, exercise physiology, and medical issues pertinent to athletes, while enabling fellows to manage the healthcare needs of Division I collegiate athletes.
Program Structure
The Sports Medicine Fellowship operates under the accreditation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to deliver a wealth of learning opportunities. The program spans over one year, during which fellows gain extensive clinical experience in managing musculoskeletal disorders through longitudinal training.
Fellows participate in hands-on training at the UNLV athletic center and various primary care sports medicine facilities. This innovative approach also allows for rotations with experienced professionals in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and pediatric sports medicine, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive exposure to a variety of specialties. The program’s director, who is the head team physician for UNLV athletics, directly supervises fellows, providing invaluable mentorship and insight.
Curriculum and Educational Opportunities
The curriculum is structured to foster the development of essential skills required for careers in sports medicine. This includes weekly didactic sessions every Monday, which emphasize topics relevant to primary care sports medicine and preparation for the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) exam. Fellows are expected to engage actively by presenting cases and lecturing on sports medicine topics to medical students.
Additionally, fellows will work on a scholarly project throughout their year in the program and will be expected to present their findings at professional meetings, including the AMSSM annual conference, demonstrating their academic contributions to the field.
Training Sites and Clinical Experience
The fellowship incorporates diverse training sites, including:
- Primary Care Sports Medicine Clinic at the UNLV athletic training room.
- Orthopedic sports medicine clinics.
- Pediatric orthopedics and musculoskeletal radiology.
- Primary Care Sports Medicine Clinic at the School of Medicine Patient Care Center.
Fellows also have opportunities to cover various sporting events, enhancing their practical experience and exposure to real-life scenarios. Events include home games for men's and women's sports teams and participation in local sports events such as marathons and triathlons.
Research and Projects
The program is linked with several grant-funded initiatives aimed at elevating sports medicine practices and patient outreach. These include the Nevada Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP), which provides medical screenings and educational resources to affected individuals, and the Nevada Family Medicine: Maternity Care Advancement Project that enhances healthcare access.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
The application process to the Sports Medicine Fellowship is highly competitive, with around eight to ten applicants interviewed for each academic year. Successful candidates should have completed a three-year accredited family medicine residency and demonstrate a clear interest in sports medicine. Key application requirements include:
- Completion of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) application.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director.
- Copies of all United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores.
- A letter of interest and a personal statement.
The program tends to attract a diverse mix of applicants, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians, thereby encouraging a broader representation in sports medicine.
Visa Support
The program provides visa sponsorship for international applicants, which may include sponsorship opportunities for J-1 or H-1B visas, facilitating participation from qualified foreign medical graduates.
Fellowship Outcomes
The fellowship has a strong track record of success; 100 percent of graduates have passed the CAQ exam on their first attempt, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence in training. Alumni of the fellowship have pursued careers in diverse settings, including academia, private practice, and urgent care, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the fellowship experience.
Website
Director
Wade Gaal, MDProgram Director, CAQSM Sports Medicine Appointed Since September 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
75hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$66,314First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Las Vegas, NV
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Las Vegas, NV
- Crime Rate and Safety: Las Vegas has a moderate crime rate, with certain areas that may be less safe, especially late at night. It is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas and downtown.
- Fun Activities: Las Vegas is known for its entertainment industry, world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and various shows and events. Outdoor activities like hiking in Red Rock Canyon or exploring Lake Mead are also popular.
- Climate: Las Vegas has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Expect scorching temperatures in the summer months and cooler weather in the winter.
- Races and Population: Las Vegas is a diverse city with a mix of cultures, including a significant Hispanic and African American population.
- Education: Las Vegas has a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, as well as higher education institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than in many other major cities, particularly in terms of housing costs. However, utility costs and healthcare expenses may be higher.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Las Vegas is relatively isolated, with larger cities like Los Angeles approximately a 4-5 hour drive away. However, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the entertainment capital of the world.
- Pros: Vibrant entertainment scene, diverse population, lower cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Cons: High summer temperatures, certain areas with higher crime rates, isolated location.
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